Charlotte Business Journal seeks banking reporter

The Charlotte Business Journal is looking for a reporter who can marry strong traditional journalism skills – source building, sharp news judgment, interviewing prowess, strong analytical and investigative reporting, clear writing, document use – with online and social media know-how.

Whatever the platform, this reporter will produce content that is accompanied by perspective and context for a vibrant audience of business owners, executives and professionals.

This reporter will primarily cover the Charlotte region’s banking and finance sector, including giants Bank of America and Wells Fargo, as well as community banks and credit unions. The beat also includes a growing fintech and startup community. We are looking for more than quick hits. This is a beat that requires a high level of source development and a deep intellectual curiosity that allows a reporter to write with authority on often complex topics.

Duties

A Business journal reporter is competitive, collaborative and curious. He or she is expected to contribute both short- and long-form stories to our news products online, in email, on mobile and in print. Specifically, reporters are expected to own every important story on their beat(s); use networking events, social media platforms and other community-building outlets to expand and fortify their source base and audience; work collaboratively with other newsroom staffers to maximize impact and accessibility of stories reported; and meet or exceed goals related to audience engagement. Also, scoops matter. A lot.

Skills

Proven excellence in reporting and writing Desire and ability to break news and to identify newsworthy events and sources Strong analytical and investigative-interviewing skills Ability to work both independently and collaboratively Ability to relate comfortably to a wide range of people, in person, on the phone and online A clear drive to develop sources and build audience Solid understanding of news writing, journalistic ethics and story structure. Ability to leverage relationships with sources to deliver content that differentiates the organization from competitors. Multimedia skills, including video, photos, broadcast, on-camera, helpful.

To apply, send clips, a resume and a cover letter to editor Robert Morris at rmorris@bizjournals.com.

Chris Roush is the Walter E. Hussman Sr. Distinguished Professor in business journalism at UNC-Chapel Hill. He is a former business journalist for Bloomberg News, Businessweek, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Tampa Tribune and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. He is the author of the leading business reporting textbook "Show me the Money: Writing Business and Economics Stories for Mass Communication" and "Thinking Things Over," a biography of former Wall Street Journal editor Vermont Royster.